On Friday I was proud to welcome the Minister for Veterans, Al Carns MP, to Newcastle-under-Lyme for a visit to the Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre—an extraordinary charity that does vital work supporting veterans across our community and beyond.
The centre, which has been operating since 2015, is run by veterans for veterans. It offers crucial services including help with housing, employment, and mental health, as well as social events and one-to-one guidance. With sites across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Shropshire, it is the first veteran-run retreat of its kind in Staffordshire and has rightly been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and the Armed Forces Covenant Silver Award.
During the visit, the Minister and I toured the facilities and saw first-hand the incredible work the team is doing every day. We also took part in a roundtable discussion with veterans, hearing directly from those who have served about their experiences and the challenges they face when transitioning back to civilian life.
This visit was about more than just recognition—it was about listening. Veterans spoke powerfully about the importance of the centre’s work, and I’ll keep pushing in Parliament to make sure services like this one get the support and funding they need.
I’m incredibly proud of the Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre and grateful to everyone involved for the warm welcome. Our veterans have served this country with courage and commitment. We owe them more than thanks—we owe them action.